LEADING MEN: According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Yankees are 31-0 this season in home games in which they have held a lead of at least two runs.

ARM STRENGTH: Beginning on Sunday, the Yankees will face four consecutive left-handed starting pitchers. They are 25-18 against lefty starters this season, including 15-7 at home.

HERO’S RECOGNITION: Prior to today’s game, United States Army Staff Sergeant Ty Michael Carter will be recognized on field in a pregame ceremony. He is the most-recent recipient of the nation’s highest military honor, having received the Medal of Honor from President Obama on August 26 for his heroic actions on October 3, 2009 during an attack by enemy forces at Combat Outpost Keating in the Kamdesh District of Afghanistan.

UPDATE, 1:20 p.m.: Leadoff double by Gardner, get-him-over at-bat by Jeter and an RBI double by Cano. Quick and easy way to score a run and take a lead.

UPDATE, 1:33 p.m.: Nova gets out of trouble in the second — double play helped — and the Yankees keep a one-run lead.

UPDATE, 1:58 p.m.: Breaking ball that bounced well in front of the plate, then hit the batter. Perhaps not one for the Ivan Nova highlight reel.

UPDATE, 3:04 p.m.: Naturally, the guy who wasn’t supposed to play today has two hits. But the story of this day — so far — is brilliant Ivan Nova. What a start on a day when the offense hasn’t been able to carry its weight.